Bulk material flow regulating device



United States Patent [72] Inventor Hans Oetiker St. Gall, Switzerland[21] Appl. No. 828,459 [22] Filed May 28,1969 [45] Patented Nov. 24,1970[73] Assignee Gebruder Buhler AG St. Gall, Switzerland [32] PriorityJune 5, 1968 3 3 Switzerland [31] No. 8316/68 [54] BULK MATERIAL FLOWREGULATING DEVICE 20 Claims, 2 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S.Cl 222/445. 222/448, 222/449, 222/504; l37/630.14 [51] Int. ClG0lfll/26 [50] Field of Search. 222/445, 446, 448,449, 450, 504;137/630.l4, 630.15

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 709,262 9/1902 Goldl37/630.15 790,294 5/1905 Gold.... l37/630.l5X 2,439,861 4/1948Pootjes.... 222/445 2,626,066 1/1953 Rasmussen.... 222/445X 2,688,3419/1954 McBain et al.. 137/630.l4 3,257,045 6/1966 Carpentier 222/4503,410,422 11/1968 Carpentier 222/445X Assistant Examiner-H. S. LaneAttorney-McGlew and Toren ABSTRACT: A device for facilitating the freeflow of bulk goods from a compartment or space at one pressure to acompartment or space at another pressure includes a housing having anintermediate chamber with an inlet connected to the compartment havingthe goods and a discharge connected to a compartment which is adapted toreceive the goods. The intermediate chamber may be closed at the inletand outlet by a combined action valve mechanism or closing device whichincludes a closing element which includes an outer annular portion andan inner or central suppressor portion which are separately operable bysupporting lever arms. The suppressor portion provides an equalizationopening permitting initial communication between the goods contained inthe compartment at one pressure and the intermediate chamber and also asimilar communication between the intermediate chamber and a compartmentat a distinct pressure. The operating mechanism for the closing elementsof the inlet and the outlet of the intermediate compartment areinterconnected so that they may be operated separately to open theintermediate compartment to receive the goods after effecting theopening of the suppressor opening to equalize the pressure andthereafter the outer annular opening. The same operation is effected inrespect to the opening of the discharge.

Patented Nov. 24, 1970 I 3,542,255

Sheet 2 of2 INVENTOR. hmvs oer/x41;

BY 71/ww7rw BULK MATERIAL FLOW REGULATING DEVICE SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION This invention relates, in general, to the construction offlow control apparatus and, in particular, to a new and useful devicefor the free flowing delivery of bulk goods between compartments ofdistinct pressures.

In order to deliver bulk materials from a compartment of one pressure toone of a different, for example, a lower pressure, it is usuallynecessary to provide a lock chamber and to bring the pressure in thechamber space to the same level prevailing in the room of the bulk goodswhich is'to be poured out. This may be accomplished by appropriatepressure equalization openings that can be controllably opened andclosed before the pouring of the bulk goods. In addition, acorresponding pressure equalization must be carried out before emptyingthe chamber into the room receiving the bulk goods which is under thesecond distinct pressure. In order to obtain this pressure equalization,it has been suggested that the intermediate chamber be connected byducts with valves and controls which may be operated to close and openthe ducts connected between each compartment and the intermediatechamber. However, this manner of equalization of pressure has adisadvantage in respect to the conveying of bulk goods because the airwhich flows during pressure equalization is often strongly charged withdust and quickly leads to the clogging or jamming of the closureelements or valves and their controls. To carry out a pressure balance,it has also been suggested to provide special valves in the lid, whichpermit the closing of the inlet openings of the chamber, and withseparate controls so that they may independently operate. In addition,such devices include lid actuators to permit the closing of the pressureequalization openings in the lid. Again, such devices are stlsceptibleto dustladden air even though to a lesser extent than the otherconstruction. There is still the disadvantage that special control andactuating devices operating in a timed sequence must be provided for thevalves and for the closure elements on the lids. In addition, there is afurther disadvantage that at least the actuating device for the valvesmust be arranged in the area of the flow of the goods and, in certaincases, they make operation of the lid locks difficult.

In accordance with the invention, there is provided an intermediatechamber having closure elements which eliminate the disadvantages of theprior art and permit a simplification of the operation of the lock ofthe chamber especially in regard to the control and the actuatingmechanism for pressure equalization. The invention includes a chamberwhich is closed by a closure member or valve which includes an outer orsurrounding major valve portion and a central suppressor or closure lidwhich may be manipulated independently for opening a portion of thepassage opening in order to provide pressure equalization. The entirevalve mechanism including the outer major valve portion and the centralsuppressor are mounted so that they are positively connected with asingle power drive and the entire closing element is freely movablewithin the intermediate chamber. The construction includes a chamberwhich has an inlet adapted to be connected to the space containing thegoods and an outlet adapted to be connected to the space for receivingthe goods. A closure member located both at the inlet and at the outletare interconnected by an operating mechanism which permits independentoperative control of each. Each closure member also advantageouslyincludes a valve lid having separate suppressor portion which, forexample, is advantageously centrally located and which will be initiallyoperated by the operation of the control mechanism to open before theremaining portion of the lid in order to provide a desired pressureequalization. This pressure equalization is accomplished first when thegoods are received in the intermediate chamber and thereafter when theintermediate chamber is connected to the delivery passage for the goodsto the receiving chamber.

LII

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improveddevice for the free flowing delivery of bulk goods which advantageouslyincludes an intermediate chamber which is adapted to be connectedbetween two compartments of different pressure and which include closureelements which are moved positively and which include a suppressor lidportion which first provides an automatic equalization of the pressurebetween the receiving intermediate chamber and the delivery passage andbetween the receiving intermediate chamber and the discharge passage.

A further object of the invention is to provide a valve construction forthe control of the delivery of bulk material from the compartment at onepressure to a compartment at a different pressure and which includes asupporting arm which is pivotally connected to an annular outer closurelid portion and separately pivotally connected to a central suppressorlid portion and which, when it is actuated, may be set to effect openingof the suppressor portion first in order to provide a pressureequalization and thereafter to open the complete lid to provide for afree flow of the material.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for the controlof flow of bulk material between two spaces or compartments of differentpressure which is simple in design, rugged in construction andeconomical to manufacture.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention arepointed out with particularity in the claims anneited to and forming apart of this specification. For a betterunderstanding of the invention,its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use,reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptivematter in which there is illustrated and described a preferredembodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the Drawings:

FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section through a bulk material flow controldevice constructed in accordance with the invention, and;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device indicated in FIG. 1, andshowing the drive mechanism therefor.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to thedrawings, in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises a bulkmaterial flow control device generally designated 1, which is adapted tobe connected between two chambers or compartments of different pressurefor the flow of the bulk material from the one compartment into theother through the device. The device 1 includes an infeed connection orflange 11 defining a flow passage 12, a chamber housing 14 defining anintermediate chamber 13 which has an outlet connection 15 which isconnected to a flange or outlet connection 11'. The chamber housing 14includes a lateral portion or pipe segment 16 which is flanged to permitconnection to a conduit or to permit the mounting of a cover lid 18 asshown in the drawings. The cover lid 18 is secured in position bysecuring bolts or screws 17.

In accordance with the invention, in the area of the flow passage 12,there is arranged an interchangeable rigid ring or valve seat member 22which is connected with the housing 14, such as by bolts and whichcarries a gasket ring 23. A pivot pin 3 is journaled in the side wallsof the housing 14 and it carries a suppressor arm or support 31 which isrigidly connected therewith for rotation therewith. A supressor plate orpressure equalizin plate 35 is pivotally connected to the carrier arm 31at a pivot pin 32 by means of a bracket 33. An ad-- justing screw 36 isthreaded through the arm 31 and it may be engaged against the suppressorplate 35 for adjusting the closing position thereof.

At least one additional closing element arm or support arm 41 which isseparated from the compressor arm 31 is freely rotatably supported onthe pivot pin 3. The closing element arm 41 carries a closing elementplate 45 which has a central opening 50 which is closed by suppressorplate 35. The plate 35 is supported on the arm 31 by means ofa bracket43 which is pivoted on a pivot pin 42 carried by the arm 31. A gasketring 51 is carried in the plate 45 and provides a seal between the plate45 and the suppressor plate 35. The closing element arm 41 also carriestwo adjusting screws 46 and 46' which may be threaded into the arm 41for the purpose of adjusting the closure position of the closing element45.

The lateral segment portion 16 of the housing 14 is dimensioned toaccommodate the closure lid 2 and its associated mechanism and also topermit passage of the interchanging of the rigid ring 22 which forms thevalve seat. This is especially important when the materials beingconveyed contain abrasive products which will cause a rapid wear of thisring 22.

The housing 14 is connected to an infeed flange 11' of a complementarydevice 1' which includes a housing portion 14' defining a chamber 13ofsimilar configuration and having other parts similar to the partsdescribed in respect to the upper portion of the device. In addition,the flow passage 12 defined in the portion 1' includes a comparableclosure mechanism and operating linkages and these parts are designatedsimilar to the part 1 but with an added prime after the numericalconnotations.

By reference to FIG. 2, it can be seen that the pivot pin 3 is rigidlyconnected to an actuating lever 61 by means of a through pin 62. Acomparable pivot pin 3' for the lower portion of the device 1' isrigidly connected to a lever arm 71 by a pin pin 62'. A fluid cylinder80 is pivotally connected to the lever arm 71 through a pivot pin 85 anda bracket 84. A piston 81 is slidable in the cylinder and it carries apiston rod 82 which extends outwardly from the opposite end thereof andis pivotally connected to the lever arm 61 through a pin 83. The outerend of the arm 71 carries an extension or plug 75 which is connected toone end ofa coil spring 70 having an opposite end connected to anextension or lug 65 of the housing 11. The spring 70 applies a tensionon the arm 71 to urge it in the direction of the arm 61.

Fluid pressure is supplied to respective sides of the cylinder 80through connecting conduits 101 and 102 which are connected at theirouter ends to a reversing valve 105 which is operated by a solenoidcontrol 106 which is coupled through a switch 107 and a power supply108. Means for supplying fluid under pressure such as a pump 103 isconnected to the reversing valve 105 for selectively directing thepressurized medium to whichever end of the cylinder 80 is to bepressurized to switch the position of the piston 81. An escapeconnection 104 leads away from the reversing valve 105.

The device is operated as follows:

As indicated in FIG. 2, the piston 81 is shown in a neutral position,but it does not correspond to any state of rest in respect to theoperating cycle. In this position, the piston 81 momentarily holds bothlids 2 and 2' in a closed position blocking the passages 12 and 12. Inthe condition of the valve 105, indicated, pump 103 will supply apressure through the duct 102 to cause the downward movement of thepiston 81 to open the upper lid 2. This is caused by the rotation of thepivot 3 in a clockwise direction which initially causes the lifting ofthe suppressor plate 35 from the gasket ring 51. When this occurs, apressure equalization between the chamber 13 and the infeed connection11 occurs through equalization opening 50 in the closing element 45.After the pressure equalization takes place, the closing element 45 maymove freely and it will be moved by further rotation of the pin 3 tocompletely open the passage 12. During the opening movement of the upperlid 2, the lower lid 2 is maintained in a closed position by the tensionspring 70 acting of the lever 71. After the chamber 13 is filled withthe bulk goods, the pressure medium fromthe pump 103 is directed outofthe duct 102 and into the duct to cause the lever 61 to move the pivot3 backwardly in a counterclockwise direction to close the lid 2. Thesuppressor plate 35 and the closure element 45 each move together towardthe ring 22 until the closing element 45 rests tightly on the gasketring 23. With a further admission of pressure medium, into the cylinder80, it will be moved downwardly relatively to its piston 81 in anopposite direction after the closing element has come to rest againstthe ring 22 and the suppressor 35 moves onto the ring 51. The tensionspring 70 becomes further tensioned by the further downwardly occurringmotion causes pivot pin 3' to rotated clockwise and to move thesuppressor plate 35 of the second lid 2' off the pressure equalizationopening 50'. This establishes a connection from the infeed connection 11to the chamber 13 in the housing 14', which is adapted to be connectedto the receiving room of the distinct pressure. This establishespressure equalization between the intermediate chamber 13 and thereceiving room or compartment into which the material is to be directed.As soon as the pressure equalization has progressed sufficiently, theentire closure element 45 will be moved with the arm 41' away from theassociated closure ring 22' under the influence of its own weight andthe weight of the goods which are delivered from the chamber 13 and thuscompletely open the passage for the free flow of goods through thepassage 12.

After the chamber 13 is completely emptied, the reversing valve 105 isbrought from the downward position upwardly to the initial position.Under the influence of tension of the spring 70, the lower lever 71,together with the cylinder 80, is pulled upwardly. This is also aided bythe inflow of pressure medium into the cylinder space on the side of thepiston rod 82. At this time, the suppressor plate 35 will, together withthe outer lid portion 45', move to the closing position engaged with therigid ring 22.

During the final closing of the lower lid 2', which is guaranteed by thetension spring 70, acting on the lever 71, piston 81 is moved furtherdown by means of a further admission of pressure medium into thecylinder through the lines 102. This thereby causes the opening of theupper lid 2 to repeat the cycle.

Because of the flexible arrangement of the suppressor plate 35, inrespect to the closing element 45 on the respective support arms 31 and41, these elements adjust themselves to the gaskets 23 and 51. In orderto avoid damaging of these gaskets 23 and 51 by a too oblique positionof the suppressor plate 35 or the closing element 45, adjustment screws36 and 46 are provided. They permit the deviation of the suppressor 35and the closing element 45 in respect to its mounting through therespective pivot pins 32 and 42 to their associated arms and insure thatthe gaskets 23 and 51 will not be damaged.

A feature of the construction is that the lateral passages 16 and 16permit easy removal of all of the operating parts of the deviceincluding the valve plates 22 and the gaskets 23 and 51. It is merelynecessary to remove the bolts 17 holding the cover 18 in place to makesuch replacement. Suitable sealing gaskets may be interposed between thecover 18 and the flange of the later compartment 16.

An advantage of the use of the intermediate chamber with the lockingvalve mechanism resides in the fact that the operation is extremelysimple and the parts are easily accessible for change or adjustment whennecessary. In addition, no control elements or closing elements arearranged within the range of the dust-ladden air and the actuation ofthe lid elements always occurs in a controlled manner and is not subjectto the uncontrolled influences of the various pressure conditions.

Iclaim:

1. A device for facilitating the flow particularly of bulk materialsbetween two compartments or spaces of different pressure, comprisinghousing means defining an intermediate material chamber having an inletadapted to be connected to the compartme t having the material to betransferred and a discharge at a different pressure than said inlet andadapted to be connected to the compartment to receive the material,first and second closure means associated with the respective inlet anddischarge each first and second closure means including a valve seat, anouter closure element adapted to engage with said valve seat to form aseal therewith and having a pressure equalizing opening therein, asuppressor lid adapted to engage with said closure element to close saidopening, and connecting means connected to said closure elementand saidsuppressor lid permitting said suppressor lid to move away from theopening in said closure element in the material flow direction and forthereafter permitting the moving said closure element away from saidvalve seat 2. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said connectingmeans includes a pivot, supporting arm means connected to said pivot forrotation therewith, and pivotal bracket means separately connectedbetween said supporting arm means and said closure element and saidsuppressor lid respectively.

3. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said valve seat comprises aninterchangeable rigid ring.

4. A device, according to claim 3, including sealing gasket meansdisposed between said valve seat and said closure element and betweensaid closure element and said suppressor lid.

5. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said-housing means includesan infeed connection terminating in a flow passage having said valveseat, a chamber defined at the end of said flow passage and surroundingsaid first closure means, and an outlet portion connected to saidchamber terminating in said discharge located opposite said flow passageand said inlet. v

6. A device,.according to claim 5, wherein said discharge has an openingcorresponding to the opening of said inlet and a discharge valve seatbordering said opening.

7. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said housing means comprisesa first housing portion including an inlet assage, an inlet openinghaving said valve seat and an intermediate chamber portion, .and asecond housing portion including an inlet connected to said intermediatechamber portion and terminating in an opening constituting saiddischarge, said second closure means being located in the openingterminating in said discharge and said first closure means being in theopening at'the inner end ofsaid inlet portion.

8. A device, according to claim 1, wherein saidconnecting means includesa rotatable pivot pin member for each of said first and second closuremeans, a support arm for said closure element connected to said pivotpin member, a support arm for said suppressor lid "connected to saidpivot pin and being rotatable therewith, and means connected betweensaid pivot pin for said first closure means and said pivot pin for saidsecond closure means for selectively rotating said pivot pins with therespective closure arms in predetermined rotatable sequence.

9. A device, according to claim 8, wherein said means connected betweensaid pivot pins for said firstclosure means and said second closuremeans includes a fluid piston and cylinder combination, and means forselectively pressurizing said cylinder for selectively moving saidpiston for the purpose of selectively rotating the pivot pins for saidfirst and second closure means.

10. A device, according to claim 9, including a lever arm connected tothe pivot pins for each of said first and second closure means andconnected also to said fluid piston and cylinder combination, and springmeans biasing said lever arm of said second closure means in a closedposition, said fluid piston and cylinder means being movable to shiftsaid lever arms.

11. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said housing means comprisesfirst and second housing elements arranged in vertically arrangedabutting orientation, said drive means connected to said closure elementand said suppressor lid comprising rotatable pin means for each of saidfirst and second closure means and means disposed between said twohousing positions connecting said pin means for selective rotationthereof.

12. A device, according to claim 11, including spring means biasing saidsecond lever arm toward said fluid cylinder and toward said first leverarm.

13. A device, according to claim 11, wherein said piston in saidcylinder is connected for actuation on each side by a fluid pressuremedium. L

14. A device, according to claim 13, including means connected betweensaid closure element and its supporting arms and said suppressor lid andits supporting arm permitting limited pivotal movement thereof inrespect to the associated supporting arm.

15. A device, according to claim 1, wherein said first and secondclosure means each includes a rotatable pivot pin, a closure elementsupported are freely rotatable on said pin and connected to said closureelement, a suppressor lid supporting arm affixed to said pin forrotation therewith and connected to said suppressor lid.

16. A device according to claim 1, including a ring gasket on saidclosure element engageable with said suppressor lid.

17. A device for facilitating the flow of bulk materials comprising avalve seat having an opening therein for the flow of materialsthe'rethrough, a rotatable pivot pin located on one side of said valveseat, a closure element supporting arm rotatable on said pivot pin, aclosure element articulated to said closure element supporting arm andhaving a pressure equalizing opening therein, a closure lid supportingarm affixed to said pivot for rotation therewith, a closure lid carriedon said closure lid supporting arm at a location to overlie and closethe pressure opening of said closure element, and means for rotatingsaid pin for shifting said closure element and said closure lid relativeto said valve seat.

18. A device, according to claim 17, including means on said closure lidsupporting arm adjustably engageable with said closure lid for adjustingthe position thereof in respect to said arm.

19. A device, according to claim 17, including means on said closureelement supporting arm engageable with said closure element foradjusting the position of said closure element in respect to saidclosure element supporting arm.

20. A device for facilitating the flow particularly of bulk materialsbetween two compartments or spaces of different pressure, comprisinghousing means defining an intermediate material chamber having an inletadapted to be connected to the compartment having the material to betransferred and a discharge adapted to be connected to the compartmentto receive the material, first and second closure means associated withthe respective inlet and discharge, each first and second closure meansincluding a valve seat, an outer closure element adapted to engage withsaid valve seat to form a seal therewith and having a pressureequalizing opening therein, a suppressor lid adapted to engage with saidclosure element to close said opening, and drive means for separatelymoving said suppressor lid away from the opening in said closure elementand for thereafter permitting the moving of said closure element awayfrom said valve seat, said drive means including a rotatable pivot pinmember for each of said first and second closure means, a support armfor said closure element connected to said pivot pin member, a supportarm for said suppressor lid connected to said pivot pin and beingrotatable therewith, first and second lever arms connected respectivelyto said pivot pins for each 'of said first and second closure means,spring means biasing said first and second lever arms into a closedposition, said drive means further comprising a fluid cylinder, a pistonslidable in said cylinder, said fluid cylinder being connected to saidfirst lever am, said piston being connected to said second lever arm,said piston being movable relatively in said cylinder for shifting saidfirst closure means independently of said second closure means and saidsecond closure means independently of said first closure means.

